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PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.

UX Researcher

San Diego, CA

This is an excellent opportunity to join the UX Research Team to make meaningful contributions through impactful research that helps shape the direction and strategy of PlayStation’s products, services, and the future of interactive entertainment!

As a User Experience (UX) Researcher II, your role involves leading and supporting various research projects.

As an ideal candidate, you are experienced in Generative Research (qualitative and quantitative), Concept Research, and Evaluative Research. Your role is to complement business, product, and design strategy and help deliver outstanding innovative user experiences. You let your passion shine by consistently advocating for user needs and collaborate with cross-functional partners to implement the best solutions to user problems. You provide valuable feedback to both peers and managers to help grow the research team at all levels. You have an excellent understanding of the UX Design process, principles and patterns, and technological capabilities/limitations.

You’ll join a team that values curiosity, collaboration, shared success, and continuous learning. We support each other, give and receive feedback, and are always evolving, improving not just what we deliver, but how we work together. We’re looking for someone who values thoughtful collaboration, brings others along in the process, and wants to grow with the team.

Role & Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end research projects of medium to large complexity using established qualitative and/or quantitative methods, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality standards.
Support related research projects by identifying collaboration opportunities, proposing appropriate approaches, and working across teams to drive alignment.
Proactively draw connections across studies to surface patterns and insights in assigned area.
Show good judgment in selecting appropriate methodologies and evaluation techniques based on research goals and project constraints.
Raise roadblocks and seek mentorship as needed with senior researchers or managers.
Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through compelling, actionable results.
Build and maintain positive relationships to align on goals and drive research impact.
Account for cross-functional dependencies and system-level considerations in research planning and execution.
Collaborate with external vendors and consultants, providing clear direction and feedback to ensure quality outcomes.

Requirements

Minimum BA/BS degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Social Sciences, UX Design, related field or equivalent experience.
3-5 years of UX Research, and related experience, shown in a portfolio of projects.
Proven record of conducting research at all stages of product development.
Strong proficiency in multiple UX research techniques.
Strong grasp of industry-standard UX research methods: ethnographic, in-depth & group interviews, evaluative (e.g. concept testing), & quantitative (surveys).
Applies systems thinking and problem-solving skills to design challenges, balancing user needs with technical realities to support practical, scalable solutions.
Experience providing research and deep insights leading to compelling and quality interfaces.
Strong communication skills and ability to build and sustain internal and external partnerships.
Take part in team efforts to improve research workflows, helping how we evolve our research practices and operations as a team.
Able to handle a set of concurrent tasks/projects at one time and prioritize higher value tasks with more immediate needs.
Experience working in a complex, cross-functional organization is a plus.
Knowledge of technical aspects of video game development is a plus.
Familiarity with commerce and monetization models in related industries is advantageous.
Strong storytelling skills are a plus.

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At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.

$135,000—$202,400 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

UX Researcher II

Job Type